Strep Throat Explained: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

The winter season is knocking on the door, and so are common health issues. Strep throat, also known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is a common health problem people face during this season. It can cause throat pain, fever, skin rashes, even kidney inflammation and stroke if not treated properly. But how do you know if you are facing it? Worry not; here, we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of strep throat. So, let’s start. 

Strep Throat Causes

The bacteria known as group A streptococcus causes strep throat. It can be on infected surfaces, such as cups, plates, doorknobs, glasses, etc. This bacteria can also travel through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks, laughs, or even touches others, making this disease highly contagious. 

Strep Throat Symptoms

Now, you are aware that strep throat is contagious. But the question arises: how do you know if you are infected? The strep throat symptoms will help you with that. It comprises of-

• Throat pain 
• Painful swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils that sometimes have white patches or pus streaks
• Tiny red spots at the back of the mouth roof that is known as soft palate
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes on the neck
• Sudden fever
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Rash
• Loss of appetite

Note: It’s possible that you have some of these symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you have strep throat, so it’s always better to consult a doctor for confirmation.

Strep Throat Treatment

Below are some treatment solutions for this disease. Let’s check them out:

Antibiotics

Penicillin, Amoxicillin, clindamycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin are some antibiotics that can treat this disease. Antibiotics prevent bacteria from spreading and help you get better quickly. They also prevent complications like sinus and tonsil infections and rheumatic fever. You might need to get antibiotics three times a day.  But first, you are required to consult a doctor before taking any antibiotics. He will then confirm the frequency depending on your condition.

OTC Pain Relievers

If you are looking for strep throat treatment solutions, OTC (Over-The-Counter) products can help. Products like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower your fever and ease the throat. When giving this medicine to kids, take precautions. Someone should only use 4 grams of this medicine; more than this can cause serious liver problems. So, it is always preferred to consult a doctor before taking this type of medicine. 

Soft Foods

A tasty strep throat treatment solution is eating soft foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt, one of the vitamin D-enriched foods. Soft foods will limit the amount of throat irritation in this condition. 

Lozenges

Lozenges are solid dosages of medicated material, like Strepsils and Vicks. Some lozenges have menthol or local anaesthetics to numb the throat and relieve pain. 

Lots Of Fluid

Drinking lots of fluid is the key to treating strep throat. You can drink water and warm liquids like soup and tea. They can have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to treat your disease. If you can’t drink hot liquids, go for ice creams and frozen pop. Fluids keep your throat moist, which can reduce pain and irritation in the throat. 

Strep Throat Explained

Strep throat is a serious disease caused by group A streptococcus. Some people consider this to be a sore throat, but it’s not. Healthcare providers see more than 600 million new cases of strep throat every year around the world. This disease mostly occurs in kids aged 5 to 15 years. You need to treat this disease as soon as possible; otherwise, you might face serious health problems. OTC medicines, antibiotics, lozenges, etc., can help you treat this disease, but it’s best to consult a doctor.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does strep throat last?

With proper treatment, you might start feeling better within 2 days, but strep throat and its symptoms can last 7 to 10 days.

2. How to sleep with strep throat?

Using a humidifier at night, gargling with salt water, OTC medicines, lozenges, and antibiotics can relieve strep throat and help you sleep at night.

3. Can strep throat spread to the lungs?

Yes, when left untreated, strep throat-causing bacteria can enter the lungs and trigger problems like pneumonia or sinusitis. 

4. Do bananas help with strep throat?

Yes, bananas can help in treating strep throat as they contain potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 nutrients that can treat this disease. 

5. What should one avoid in drinks having throat infections? 

Fruit juices containing acidic properties, like lemonade, and carbonated drinks like soda, alcohol, and caffeine must be avoided with an infected throat. The ingredients contained in them can irritate your throat and worsen the condition.